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That information felt like an invasion of her privacy. If she’d wanted me to know she was going, she would’ve told me. wouldn’t she? Then again, we weren’t exactly speaking when we parted ways this morning. Regardless, I opened my mouth to tell Marcus it wasn’t his job—or Marshal’s—to keep tabs on her. That I didn’t need updates.

But then I realized this wasn’t about tracking her movements. Marcus told me because he knew exactly where I’d rather be.

“It’s only eight o’clock, sir. I could have you there in an hour.”

I glanced down at myself. I'd showered in the office, changed into a clean suit, but I still felt unraveled. Disheveled in a way I hadn’t felt in years. But she’d always liked me that way. When I wasn’t perfectly in control.

I shrugged off the jacket, unfastened the buttons at my wrist, and nodded toward the door. “Let’s go.”

Marcus smiled with a smugness he thought I wouldn’t notice. I should’ve told him to wipe it off his face. But I didn’t have the energy. I just needed to get to her.

It was just after nine when we pulled through the gates.

Marshal was leaning against the other SUV, cigarette between his fingers, watching me with the kind of look that said he wasn’t surprised in the slightest.

I stepped out, not even acknowledging him until I got to the front steps. Then I paused and turned toward both men who were standing shoulder to shoulder, probably already placing bets on what the hell I was doing.

“Hey,” I called out.

Marcus lifted a brow. “Yes, sir?”

“Leave one of the cars. You two find somewhere else to stay tonight.”

Marshal smirked and tossed me the keys. Marcus didn’t say a word. Just gave me that damn smile again as he climbed into the driver’s seat. I waited until they drove off before I entered the code and stepped inside.

I didn’t know if Marshal had told her I was coming. Didn’t know if she’d seen the security cameras on the TV or caught me pulling through the gates. But I didn’t want to startle her. So I tossed the keys on the small table in the entryway and made sure my shoes clicked against the tile.

The house was mostly dark, just a small lamp casting shadows. I went down the hall toward her bedroom, finding thedoor open but the room empty. Then I pushed open the main room, wondering if she’d decided to sleep there instead, and weirdly, hoping she had. Hoping she’d made herself at home. Owned the space.

But it was untouched.

Then, from the large window looking out over the lake, I saw her. She was sitting on the edge of the dock, feet dangling over the water, nothing but moonlight wrapped around her. She looked peaceful.

And I hated that I was about to disturb it.

Still, I couldn’t stay away.

I slid the back door of the bedroom open and stepped onto the wood deck, making my way toward the pier. Halfway down, the boards began to creak beneath my feet and she turned with a flash of fear in her eyes before recognition softened her.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, voice flat but quiet as she stood to face me.

“I knew you were here.”

“But it’s not a problem, right?” she said quickly. “You said?—”

“I’m not here to make you leave,” I interrupted, raising a hand to stop her words. “Of course it’s okay that you’re here. I’m glad you’re here. I came because you’re here.”

She inhaled slowly, nodding like she understood.

“I spent all day with my dad and Lisa,” she said after a pause. “She’s great, by the way. I wanted to hate her, but I’ve never seen my dad this happy.”

That made me smile. Small. Soft. Like I did something right.

“I made dinner, played cards with them. Then Lisa left for the night. Dad went to bed early. He doesn’t need me for that. So I came out here.”

“I’m glad you did.”

I stepped closer, lifting my hand to her neck and gently guiding her toward me. My forehead pressed to hers, my eyes closed as I whispered, “I’m sorry.”